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The participation that creates rights
The policies on disability do not build up behind the desks, but in the streets, in the city councils, in the tables where the persons with disabilities bring your own item, their experiences, their solutions.
The Consultations on the basis of Disability born for this: to transform the participation in change, giving power to those who too often remained invisible.
Where there are people that are activated, the city become more accessible, the right decisions, the democracy that is more true.
What are the two Councils on the basis of Disability
The Consultations are advisory bodies local, municipal, provincial or regional — compounds from representatives of associations of persons with disabilities, family members, social workers and, in some cases, even individual citizens.
The task of:
- propose initiatives for thesocial inclusion and l’accessibility;
- report criticality in the public services;
- collaborate in the drafting of the Plans for the Elimination of Architectural BarriersPEBA);
- participate in the planning of social policies and health of the territory.
In a few words, are bridges between citizens and institutions.
The value of activism
Be part of a See it not only means represent a need: means trasformare the personal experience of collective action.
Those who engage in these organisms contributes to build the city the most affordable, the schools more inclusive, services and more human.
L’activism in the Councils is a way to say:
“We don't want you you talk about us, but with us.”
Every meeting, every proposal, every report it is a step towards the the full recognition of the rights.
A real case: the See of Rome
A concrete example comes from Rome, where in 2022 has been set up See the Town on a Permanent basis, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Composed of representatives of the associations and citizens, the See works closely with the Municipality to monitor the policies on disability and propose concrete actions to improve urban accessibility.
Among the most significant results:
- the start of a technical table with the city administration for theadjustment of public transport and bus stops accessible;
- the collaboration the preparation of the new Plan for the Elimination of Architectural BarriersPEBA);
- campaigns of sensibilizzazione on communication that is accessible and inclusive language.
This experience shows that when the persons with disabilities participate directly in the, the policies become the most effective and close to reality.
The See of Rome is today point of reference for other Municipalities that want to promote real forms of participation.
Reference standard
The Councils derive their basis from different national and regional regulations, including:
- Law 104/1992, art. 41 — promoting the participation of persons with disabilities to the policies that affect them;
- The UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, art. 29 — participation in political and public life;
- Regional laws and statutes,municipal, governing the creation and operation of the Councils local.
Each Common or Region you can set up your own See through a regulation that defines the ccomposition and skills.
When the consultation really works
A consultation is effective when:
- meets with regularity and so accessible;
- its proposals are taken into consideration by the local authorities;
- is representative of different disabilities and not a few interests;
- communicates so transparent with citizens;
- form and involving new people into activism.
The Consultations the most virtuous become laboratories of active citizenship, able to positively influence the policy decisions of the territory.
Difficulties and challenges
Many Consultationsunfortunately, there remain only on paper: there are resources, listen and continuity.
Other are perceived as “tape” or “formal”, losing contact with the people.
For this is fundamental to re-launch the activity: make Consultations living places, participatory, transparent.
Because activism is not protest, is proposed.
Rights in practice: the change stems from the participation
Each time a the person with the disability take part in a consultation, it helps to write a piece of the future.
The representation is the most practical form of freedom: don't inherit, shall be exercised.
Permanent citizens council for persons with disabilities in the city of Robut
How to set up a council for Disability
Create a The council for Disability it is a fundamental step to promote the active participation of persons with disabilities in the public life of the area.
Can be made at the municipal level, the provincial or regional, and the route follows some of the essential steps:
The launch of the initiative
The theinitiative can start by:
- Citizens, or associations working in the field of disability;
- Municipal councillors or aldermen sensitive to the issue;
- The offices of the social policies of the Municipality.
It is important to collect formal membership of associations and interested people to attendto prove that there is a real demand for participation.
Proposal and regulation municipal
The next step is the presentation of a proposal for a delibera to the city Council, contains:
- the the purpose of the consultation (promotion of the rights, accessibility, inclusion);
- composition (number of members, representatives of associations and citizens);
- the mode of appointment of the representatives;
- operation (meetings, duration of the mandate, working groups);
- relations with the municipal administration (for example, opinions on projects, meeting requests, periodic).
Each Municipality approves then an official Regulations, published at the Albo Pretorio.
Call and appointment of members
Once you have approved the resolution the Municipality publishes a public notice for the collection of applications.
The the associations registered in the Register of the municipal may designate their representatives, citizens can apply as a senior member or spokesperson.
The Mayor or Councillor reference shall convene the first meeting of settlement.
Operation and activities
The council may:
- express your views on regulations and projects concerning the disability;
- submitniziative and awareness-raising campaigns;
- participate in the planning of the PEBA (Plans for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers);
- collaborate with schools, public institutions and the reality of the territory.
It is useful to elect a President, a Vice-president and create thematic working groups (mobility, school, access to services, work, communication, inclusive).
Transparency and communication
To be effective, a See must be open, transparent and accessible:
- publish the minutes and decisions online;
- use language that is clear and accessible tools (for example, digital platforms, inclusive);
- promote the participation for new people, even young people with disabilities.
Useful resource
To inspire you, you can consult the regulation and activities of the Permanent citizens council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the city of Rome:
See Disability – Municipality of Rome
Do you want to promote the creation of a council in your Municipality?
Write to info@rightforinclusion.it or visit the “Participate” section on rightforinclusion.en to find out how to activate.
The Councils are the voice of the people. And that voice needs you.
